Join ESSA’s Board as a Trustee (Financial Leadership) – Kenya
POST TITLE: Trustee (Financial Leader)
POSITION TYPE: Board Trustee / Non-Executive Appointment
TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Initial three-year term, renewable in accordance with ESSA governance arrangements
LOCATION: Kenya
TIME COMMITMENT:
• Quarterly Board meetings (typically 3 virtual and 1 in-person annually in Africa);
• Quarterly Audit and Risk Committee meetings
• Occasional consultations of a Board nature
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: The appointed Trustee will also serve as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee
REMUNERATION: Voluntary, unremunerated role; reasonable Board-related expenses may be reimbursed
As ESSA celebrates 10 years of transforming education across Africa, we are inviting a Kenya-based financial leader to join our Board of Trustees. This is an excellent opportunity to shape strategy, governance, and the long-term impact of education systems across the continent.
“As ESSA enters its next phase of growth and influence across Africa, further strengthening our financial oversight at the Board level is critical to sustaining impact at scale. We seek a Trustee who brings technical expertise, strategic insight, and perspective to guide the organisation through this next chapter.”
— Patrick Dunne, Chair, ESSA Board of Trustees
About ESSA
ESSA is an Africa-led, independent non-profit working to improve education outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa by strengthening the use of evidence, research, and data. We partner with governments, universities, researchers, and development organisations to ensure education policy and practice are guided by credible, locally generated evidence.
Why This Role Matters
The Trustee will strengthen ESSA’s financial and commercial expertise and serve on the Audit and Risk Committee, supporting our mission to advance evidence-informed education decisions across the continent. This appointment aligns with ESSA’s 10th anniversary, helping to embed strong governance and shared ways of working that turn strategy into measurable impact.
Who We Are Looking For
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A CFO, Finance Director, or CEO with strong financial oversight
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Commercial and/or governance experience, including board or audit roles
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Strategic and financial judgement to guide organisational growth
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A passion for education, skills development, and social impact
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Kenya-based (with wider East Africa experience desirable)
Time Commitment
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Quarterly Board meetings (three virtual and one in-person annually in Africa)
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Quarterly Audit and Risk Committee meetings
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Occasional Board-level consultations
Ready to Make an Impact?
We warmly invite you to apply to join ESSA’s Board and help shape the future of education in Africa. Submit your CV and a supporting statement (max. 1,000 words) to be part of a team committed to evidence-driven change.
Apply by: 30 April 2026
Contact: Joan Mwangi – me@joanconsulting.co.ke | wambuijoan3@gmail.com
Learn more: Access the full Appointment Brief for details on the role, responsibilities, and how you can contribute to ESSA’s mission.
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